Japanese Ceramic Okimono of a Charging Wild Boar (Inoshishi)
Asian Decorative Arts - Japanese Ceramics

Japanese Ceramic Okimono of a Charging Wild Boar (Inoshishi)

This is a large-scale ceramic okimono or decorative figurine depicting a charging wild boar (inoshishi), a significant animal in the Japanese Zodiac. The piece features dynamic, muscular modeling, showcasing the animal in a full gallop with front and rear legs extended. It is constructed from glazed earthenware, likely high-quality stoneware. The color palette is dominated by ochre and amber-toned slip-glazes that highlight the deeply textured sgraffito-style coat representing thick bristles. The mane and hooves are finished in a contrasting dark chocolate brown glaze, while the base depicts lush green grass and soil with yellow highlights. The boar's expression is fierce, with hand-painted white tusks and focused eyes rimmed in black. This style of ceramic, often associated with Kutani or similar studio production from the mid-20th century (late Showa era), exhibits significant craftsmanship through the balance of its heavy form. Condition appears excellent with a well-preserved high-gloss finish; some minor kiln spotting and surface dust are noted, but there are no visible chips or structural cracks. The underside (though not pictured) likely contains a kiln mark or provenance stamp. This piece combines traditional Japanese symbolic art with realistic mid-century animalier sculpting techniques.

Estimated Value

$450 - $650

Basic Information

Category

Asian Decorative Arts - Japanese Ceramics

Appraised On

April 23, 2026

Estimated Value

$450 - $650

Additional Details Provided By Owner

User Provided Information

Inushishi

Item Description

This is a large-scale ceramic okimono or decorative figurine depicting a charging wild boar (inoshishi), a significant animal in the Japanese Zodiac. The piece features dynamic, muscular modeling, showcasing the animal in a full gallop with front and rear legs extended. It is constructed from glazed earthenware, likely high-quality stoneware. The color palette is dominated by ochre and amber-toned slip-glazes that highlight the deeply textured sgraffito-style coat representing thick bristles. The mane and hooves are finished in a contrasting dark chocolate brown glaze, while the base depicts lush green grass and soil with yellow highlights. The boar's expression is fierce, with hand-painted white tusks and focused eyes rimmed in black. This style of ceramic, often associated with Kutani or similar studio production from the mid-20th century (late Showa era), exhibits significant craftsmanship through the balance of its heavy form. Condition appears excellent with a well-preserved high-gloss finish; some minor kiln spotting and surface dust are noted, but there are no visible chips or structural cracks. The underside (though not pictured) likely contains a kiln mark or provenance stamp. This piece combines traditional Japanese symbolic art with realistic mid-century animalier sculpting techniques.

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